I’ve been looking forward to midterm break all semester. A year ago I would never have thought I’d be traveling to Africa, or guessed that my Moroccan getaway would serve as such an inspiration for my life and my future design work.
I chose to stay at a Riad, a traditional Moroccan townhome, instead of a typical hotel or AirBnB because it opened me up to the Arabic culture. What really made the townhome special was not only the beauty but also the location. It was in the midst of the locals. Being with the locals showed me how the people live, dress, and experience everyday life. On my first full day in Marrakesh, I rode a camel and got dressed up in a djellaba. A djellaba is a traditional Moroccan long loose-fitted garment, paired with a scarf wrapped around the head and face. I am studying fashion design, and experiencing the garments of different cultures interests me. Finally, I finished the day shopping in the Bazzar, which are the markets of Morocco. The Bazzar is set up like a flea market. The fun part was bargaining for deals because the shopkeepers will overcharge you if you are not a local. Luckily our tour guide helped us get some great deals.
On our second day in Marrakesh, we went to the Yves-Saint Laurent Museum. I was more than excited to visit. The museum was filled with all his sketches and designs. The designs were his most popular pieces. They ranged from custom-made outfits to just regular mock-up designs. There was one section where photos were not even allowed because of the precious fabrics used.
On the last day, I went to Casablanca and visited the Masjid Hassan II mosque. The colors of the mosaic were breathtaking and inspired me to make a collection of clothes. I can’t wait to get back to the Chigi Palace and start sketching. I will always remember my weekend in Morocco as an inspirational trip!
Siobhan Johnson

My first ever camel ride!